Elara had learned one thing in her short time at the palace: beauty was a weapon, and behind every smile lurked a blade.
The Inner Garden was in full bloom, a riot of pastel colors and perfume-sweet air that masked the poison of palace politics. Birds chirped overhead in jeweled cages. Silk curtains danced in the breeze between lacquered pillars. Everything shimmered, and yet… nothing felt alive.
A servant girl whispered to Elara as she arranged a tray of sweet rice cakes.
"They're coming," she hissed before vanishing into the side corridor like a shadow.
Elara had heard about them — the Three Princesses. Daughters of King Hwan-Jo. Half-sisters. Daughters of different mothers, born in different seasons. And yet, all shared the same last name: danger.
The first to arrive was Seo-Yeon.
She walked with the poise of a ruler. Her robe was moon-silver, embroidered with cranes in mid-flight. Her eyes were sharp, like they saw too much. She had a scholar's face — pale, intelligent, unreadable.
Her gaze fell on Elara instantly.
"You're new."
Elara bowed, heart racing. "Yes, Princess."
"You don't carry yourself like a servant," Seo-Yeon continued, circling her like a hawk eyeing prey. "Your back is too straight. Your gaze too still. What's your name?"
"Ara," Elara replied, keeping her voice steady.
Seo-Yeon narrowed her eyes. "From where?"
"The northern forests."
A pause. Then a cool smile.
"Liar," Seo-Yeon said smoothly, then turned her back.
Before Elara could react, a burst of laughter echoed across the garden. A second girl entered, arms outstretched as if she were stepping onto a stage.
Princess Hae-Rin.
Her robe was crimson, decorated with phoenix feathers and gold fire. Her lips were painted dark, her eyes lined like a warrior. She radiated heat, power — and immediate dislike.
"What's this?" Hae-Rin asked, her voice full of mock curiosity. "A new pet for the maids' quarters?"
"She claims to be from the north," Seo-Yeon said without looking up from her scroll.
"Of course she does," Hae-Rin snorted, strolling toward Elara. "Another forest-born mystery girl. Are you here to seduce someone important? My father, perhaps? Or the prince?"
Elara bowed deeper. "I serve only the palace."
"And yet," Hae-Rin stepped so close their noses almost touched, "you smell like secrets."
Elara said nothing. The air between them sparked.
But before tension could thicken further, a soft voice interrupted.
"Sisters. You promised to be kind today."
The third princess had arrived — Min-Ah.
She was younger than the other two, perhaps by a few years. Her robe was lavender, simple but elegant, tied with a white ribbon. She had no jewels in her hair. Her eyes were warm, soft, and searching.
"Elara, is it?" Min-Ah asked.
Elara blinked, surprised. "Yes, Princess."
Min-Ah smiled. "Don't mind them. They like to test everyone."
Hae-Rin rolled her eyes. "She failed."
"She hasn't even started," Min-Ah countered gently.
There was a quiet power to her — not bold like Hae-Rin or sharp like Seo-Yeon, but kind. And kindness, Elara was beginning to learn, was rare in this place.
"You may sit with us," Min-Ah said, motioning toward the pavilion.
Seo-Yeon raised a brow. "You'd have a servant join us?"
"She's new. She may as well know who rules the palace." Min-Ah's tone was sweet — but there was an undercurrent of steel beneath it.
Elara obeyed, sitting at the edge of the circle on the pavilion floor. Servants brought fresh tea and fruit. Conversation resumed, light and layered with hidden meanings.
"So," Seo-Yeon said as she poured tea, "do you know why the East Garden is forbidden?"
Elara shook her head.
"Because it sings," Hae-Rin said darkly. "At night. A lullaby of the dead."
Min-Ah leaned in. "They say our grandmother's spirit wanders there. She tried to curse the king once. Her punishment was eternal silence."
Elara listened, her skin prickling.
"And your mothers?" she asked, cautiously.
Silence fell like a dropped blade.
Seo-Yeon spoke first. "Mine died of a fever. Or poison. The records changed three times."
"Mine was banished," Hae-Rin said flatly. "Accused of witchcraft. She wasn't. But that didn't matter."
Min-Ah looked down at her hands. "Mine lives… but in a tower where no one is allowed. Father says she lost her mind after I was born."
Elara's breath caught. She felt the weight of each truth. Each wound. The king had daughters — but no family. He ruled over broken hearts.
"So you see," Seo-Yeon said, sipping her tea, "no one here trusts each other. You should learn that early."
Min-Ah reached out and touched Elara's hand.
"But I trust my heart," she said softly. "And it says you're important."
The words struck deeper than Elara expected.
A rustle in the trees made them all turn. A servant hurried across the bridge, bowing low.
"A message from His Majesty. He requests the presence of Prince Jae-Hwa and all three princesses tonight in the Throne Hall."
Seo-Yeon stood immediately.
"Another royal performance," she muttered. "Let's see who Father plays favorite today."
As they departed, Min-Ah glanced back at Elara.
"I hope you stay," she said gently. "You have kind eyes."
And just like that, the garden emptied.
Elara sat alone under the wisteria tree, her thoughts tangled. Three princesses. Three paths.
Seo-Yeon — the mind of the palace.
Hae-Rin — the blade.
Min-Ah — the heart.
She would need all three to survive here.
But more than that, she would need to become something else.
Something more dangerous than secrets.
Something worthy of Cheonhwa.
And as the petals fell around her like soft rain, Elara made a silent vow:
No matter how deep the web… she would find the truth. And she would break it.